Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, declared that the region has seen a return to peaceful times, putting an end to the era of violence and militancy.
He emphasized that it is now our collective duty to ensure that this peace and prosperity endure.
He made these remarks during a Sadbhavana Conference on “Sufism and Kashmiriyat: An Example of Peace and Harmony,” hosted by the Indian Minority Foundation (IMF). Sinha praised Kashmir’s historical legacy of Sufism and communal harmony, which had flourished for centuries.
However, in recent decades, militancy had plagued the region, but he believes that Kashmir is now undergoing positive change.
It was a significant event as leaders from various Muslim sects came together for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transform Jammu Kashmir and promote development.
This conference also received support from religious leaders, scholars, academicians, and various community representatives.
Sinha credited PM Modi’s leadership for the socio-economic progress in Jammu Kashmir over the past four years, leading to a transformation in the region.
He also highlighted that the region had faced violence and terrorism, partly influenced by a neighboring country.
However, with the contribution of Jammu Kashmir’s citizens, significant positive changes are now evident.
Sinha stressed that peace is essential for any region’s development and commended the end of strikes and stone pelting, making way for a return to good old days.
He called for collective responsibility to maintain this era of peace and prosperity.
Despite attempts to disrupt peace, Sinha encouraged unity and emphasized India’s unity in diversity, where everyone is equal.
He expressed optimism about Jammu Kashmir’s contribution to India’s vision of development by 2047.
Sinha also highlighted the government’s commitment to ensure the benefits of welfare schemes reach all citizens without discrimination, especially emphasizing the upliftment of minority communities.
Prominent cleric Maulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi stressed the importance of humanity and Sufism’s message of peaceful coexistence and compassion. He commended the conference for promoting these teachings.
Satnam Singh Sandhu, IMF Convenor and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, pledged support for Jammu and Kashmir’s development through education opportunities, including scholarships for women students from the region. He expressed a commitment to maintaining positive relations with Kashmir in the future.